2018 Fleet Week: U.S. Service Members Volunteer

[featured_quote]San Francisco Fleet Week in October celebrated the Bay Area naval tradition and honored the women and men serving in our armed forces.[/featured_quote]

St. Anthony’s was honored to host service members for a special day of Fleet Week volunteering again this year, continuing an annual tradition. Fleet Week’s 2018 day of service began with our Justice Education orientation, which highlights the history and characteristics of San Francisco’s Tenderloin neighborhood as well as the homeless, low-income, and vulnerable populations that St. Anthony’s programs serve. After the presentation concluded, the Fleet Week volunteers made their way to our Dining Room and Free Clothing Program to begin their volunteering shifts.

As service began, the volunteers (members of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps) began briskly prepping meals, delivering trays, and bussing tables. Throughout the volunteer shift, the service members also took the time to connect with our guests and get to know the members of our community.

Smiles were shared and stories were swapped. Veterans on our staff forged friendships with the volunteers and reminisced about his days in the service. Service members also connected with the veterans who have fallen on hard times and who eat in our Dining Room.

Images courtesy of Kathryn Mussallem.